Category: Independence Day

As we transition into autumn here in Cape May, the September weather has not disappointed. While last week was downright crisp, this week has seen the return of tropical humidity. Temperatures are tolerable though..which keeps the oppressiveness at bay. In short, the weather is conducive to outdoor exploring in and around town. Most restaurants and businesses are still open as well, offering air conditioned relief and relaxation when needed! We hope everyone is ready to enjoy the fall season and explore all that Cape May has to offer. At Homestead, our agents have already been busy with inquiries and reservations for the 2018 summer season. We’re so pleased at the number of inquiries we are receiving from those that have never been to Cape May before. Among such inquiries, a common question centers around the different areas of town and which one is “best”. Well, any Cape May native or habitual visitor will tell you that there are no “best” areas…there’s simply different parts of town that are more suited to specific needs and desires. Let’s take a look…

Cape May’s East End: Cape May’s east side is not officially named as such, but it encompasses a specific area of the island that is worth a mention. A long time favorite among many rental guests, the east end is home to multiple residential areas. These are quiet enclaves that are within an easy walking distance to the center of town. The most exclusive of such areas is referred to as Poverty Beach, which is home to multiple grandly designed beachside estates. These homes are all 5+ bedrooms and are ideally suited for larger rental groups. Many of the properties feature the “upside down” layouts which are conducive to entertaining, privacy, and views. Continue North on Pittsburgh Avenue and you’ll pass the “state streets” to your left (and the Coast Guard Base on the right). These streets encompass a large residential area of single family homes, before transitioning into a section known as Village Green…a neighborhood with many twin and quad style homes. While it’s a bit of a longer walk to the beach and town, these homes can be ideal for small rental groups, and many allow pets too! Most of the east side streets connect Pittsburgh Avenue to Madison, which is abutted by Columbia, Washington, Lafayette, and multiple side lanes that lead westward to the town center. All streets are worth exploring as no two are the same!

West Cape May: Unlike the unofficially branded east side, West Cape May is its own municipality. From the north, head into town via Seashore Road over the locally termed “West Cape May Bridge”. Just past Stimpson Lane (which leads towards the point-more on that below), Seashore Road becomes Broadway…and you’re officially in West Cape May. To the left, various avenues connect Broadway to Park Boulevard. One such avenue is Mechanic Street, which is home to quaint cottages like this one. To the right is the largest area of West Cape May, where avenues with numeric titles connect Broadway to Bayshore Road. Bayshore leads toward Sunset Boulevard and also intersects the popular Willow Creek Winery and Beach Plum Farm. This general area is largely residential, with single family rental homes in varying styles and sizes. It’s a perfect location if you’re in search of a more modern variety of rental, and it’s also home to a number of pet friendly properties. You’ll find 2 bedroom cottages, 5 bedroom spaciousness, and everything in between. From most of its areas, West Cape May does require a jaunt into the center of town via car or bike. The upside though is that its location often awards renters more house for the money…so that’s something to keep in mind as you scope out your next Cape May rental locale.

Cape May Point: Encapsulating the beauty of nature, Cape May Point contains just one restaurant, and its post office…that’s it. In fact, homes in the Point don’t even have door to door post service…that’s how tranquil of an area it is! Home to the Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May Point State Park, and the Cape May Lighthouse…this is where to stay if you aspire to be surrounded by nature. But remember that the bustle of Cape May is just minutes away. Residences in the point are often charming and whimsical cottages that are a blend of the beach and the country. But larger, modern homes are available as well. And due to its notoriety as a premier birding destination…the Point typically remains booked straight through the fall season.

Offshore: Head offshore via West Cape May, then head west. You’ll be met by the Cape May Lewes Ferry entrance and the Lower Township Bay Front, where a number of beautiful properties feature panoramic views of the Delaware Bay. The surrounding area is an established, heavily shaded community with a wide range of properties. And the bay beaches feature their own brand of tranquility and local flare. The offshore area may not be where you want to stay if you’re experiencing Cape May for the first time…but it’s certainly worth a visit, especially to view the incomparable sunsets of the Delaware Bay.

So there we have it, a condensed answer to the question of “where do we stay if we’ve never been to Cape May?” As you may now realize…it’s not an easy question to answer. That’s why now is the time to begin exploring the Cape May area and narrow down your rental selections. Take advantage of this beautiful autumn season and plan ahead! By the time next summer rolls around…you’ll have nothing to do but get in the car and head south.

Every now and again when the fourth of July rolls around, it is said that “summer is almost over”. However, here in Cape May we know different. In reality, the summer has just begun! The Independence Day weekend has come and gone…and what a weekend it was. Throngs of visitors and locals alike enjoyed our beaches, promenade, restaurants, shopping, and so much more. It’s at this time of the year that Cape May truly becomes a fantasy in which time stops, days of the week are interchangeable, and there is a near constant hum of activity and excitement.

In this season of long days and scorching sun (save for the occasional summer T-storm) it’s easy to adopt a sort of tunnel vision for the beach. Sure, marathon beach days lingering into sunset are a wonderful experience that we would never discourage…but remember not to lose sight of the multitude of activities offered in and around town, all throughout the summer. Here are some highlights from the next few weeks…

-This weekend, 7/7 thru 7/9, you won’t want to miss the art show on Cape May’s promenade. There’s something truly magical in the experience of strolling the promenade and viewing fine arts and hand made goods to one side, and panoramic beach/ocean views on the other. This is a fabulous opportunity to obtain souvenirs, home decor, and even holiday gifts. The weekend-long event awards you multiple opportunities for browsing and shopping, no matter your arrival or departure date.

-A reminder that every Thursday from now through 8/24, Cape May presents “Movies on the Beach” at Beach Ave and Stockton Place. This perennial event is always a crowd pleaser that the whole family can enjoy. There’s a good chance you’ve seen many (if not all) of the movies featured…but the combination of the big screen, the beach, and the roar of the ocean is an experience like nothing else, and chances are you’ll enjoy the films in a whole new light.

–Sangria Sundays are back at the Hawk Haven Winery! House made sangrias, wine tastings, and live music are a perfect way to kick off your vacation and experience a bit of our local culture. Venture just off-shore and enjoy this relaxing tradition from now through the end of the summer.

-Also every Sunday through the end of August, it’s the Nature and Wildlife show at Cape May’s convention hall (7:30-8:30 pm). This event is FREE for the whole family. Take a walk through as you stroll the promenade in the evening.

-Last but not least, head offshore to Clubhouse Drive (just off of Townbank Road) and check out the Whale of a Day Festival! This quirky local event is always a fun time. And the best part? Homestead will be there! Be sure to stop by our tent and say hello. You can even enter for a chance to win the 2017 Whale of a Day beach chair. Not just any chair…ours is a beautiful shade of marine blue outfitted with a white whale. It’s truly one of a kind (and comfortable too!).

A beach chair might be a fun prize, but it’s not the only thing we’d like you to win this summer. In our largest contest every…Homestead wants YOU to help us “welcome home” our guests. Submit a high resolution photo of your Cape May experience and it will be entered to win a featured place on our billboard…which welcomes guests to Cape May just as they “exit zero” at the foot of the Garden State Parkway. Photo submissions will be accepted from current Homestead guests, local residents, part time vacationers…basically anyone who enjoys Cape May as much as we do and doesn’t want to contain their excitement! (Only one photo per person will be accepted for consideration, photos will be presented on the billboard for approximately 6 months. Entries or questions may be submitted to jpowers@homesteadrealestate.net).

Our current Billboard:

As we move swiftly through the summer, we hope you will take time to stop and enjoy everything that Cape May has to offer. Whether you’re beginning a new vacation tradition, taking part in a long standing one, or simply passing through on a summer day trip…we want you to have a wonderful time. And remember, when you inevitably decide to return to Cape May…we’ll be right here waiting to assist with all of your real estate needs. Because you too, can be a local.

As Memorial Day has come and gone, there is a temptation to begin looking ahead to Fourth of July weekend and all the festivities that it will bring. However, the month of June is one of the best times to be here in Cape May…so we encourage you not to sit back and let it pass you by! Here’s a look at what you simply should not miss as we journey through these early days of summer…

On Friday, June 2nd, Saturday, June 3rd, and Sunday, June 4th, the Harborfest Boat Show will be taking place at Schellenger’s Landing. This is the 9th annual in-water boat show. If you’re a current or aspiring boater…you’ll surely want to stop by!

Beginning on Friday, June 2nd, Cape May’s SOMA NewArt Gallery will begin its second exhibition of the 2017 Season! Be sure to stop by the gallery at 31 Perry St, Cape May, and explore the outstanding work of local artists.

On Saturday, June 3rd, you won’t want to miss the West Cape May Strawberry Festival. Sponsored by the West Cape May Business Association and located in Wilbraham Park, the festival is one of Cape May’s most popular events. Strawberry festivals abound at this time of the year, but we guarantee you haven’t attended one like this! There will be live music, strawberry themed pottery, jewelry and other crafts, not to mention delicious strawberry confections. Homestead will be present at the festival as well, on hand to answer your real estate questions. And there will also be a chance to win our 2017 strawberry festival beach chair. Stop by and say hello! (The rain date is Sunday June 4th…but Saturday is on track to be a beautiful day!).

Are you a seasoned fisherman or a novice looking to give it a go? If so, you’ll surely want to attend the South Jersey Shark Tournament at South Jersey Marina. This event will take place from Wednesday, June 7th through Saturday, June 10th.

Cape May is rife with wonderful music, and on Thursday, June 8th, the Bay Atlantic Symphony will be performing at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 500 Hughes St. Wind down your week with this relaxing event.

Looking to enjoy music that’s a bit more interactive? Look no further! On Saturday, June 10th and Sunday, June 11th, Homestead will be sponsoring a very special event. Join the renowned Dr. Ysaye Barnwell, formerly of “Sweet Honey in the Rock”. Dr. Barnwell will be conducting a vocal workshop entitled “Singing in the African-American Tradition”. This will take place on June 10th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Cape May Lutheran Church. Lunch will be included. On Sunday, June 11th, join in for a community sing and help us raise the roof! The sing will take place between 3 and 5 pm. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience and we hope to see you there.

So there you have it, a fine sampling of what’s coming up during this most exciting month of June. Of course, it’s simply impossible for us to list all of Cape May’s wonderful events. Often times the best option is to stroll around town with no particular plans, only to discover events, stores, and dining options unlike any other.

Homestead would also like to remind you that there is still availability for the 2017 season. If you need a vacation…we’re here to help! Don’t let the summer pass you by. If you’re interested in a prime season rental week, don’t assume that all properties are booked, as you may be pleasantly surprised. Of course, as we inch closer towards peak summer, properties will become more and more limited. So the time to act is now. Join us in Cape May for a vacation like no other. You’ll be so glad you did.

As we’re nearly mid-way through March, spring is officially less than two weeks away. Daylight savings time is this weekend. Trees and spring flowers are beginning to bud. Spring is very much in the air. March, however, is an interesting month here in Cape May. While the calm of the winter season is coming to an end, the height of the spring season remains a few weeks in the future. We will certainly be providing updates as to what’s going on in Cape May this spring. But for now…let’s talk about summer!

First and foremost…if you’ve not yet booked your rental with Homestead, there’s
no time like the present! Our booking season has mirrored those of years past, with a surge of bookings in January and February. March has leveled out a bit, but still remains quite busy. And by mid-April…you may find yourself challenged to locate your first choice rental, especially if you’re looking for a specific property or location. So, take advantage of this quiet time of year and reserve your perfect rental. To assist, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common questions from our guests, asked and answered…

Q. Are full-week rentals required?

A. Yes-if you are planning your vacation anytime from about the second week in June through the second week in September-otherwise known as “prime season”. Outside of that time frame, there are a number of homes available with either a two or three night minimum. Despite Cape May being active all through the year, summer remains the busiest of seasons, so full week rentals are required to maximize the rental potential of each property. We know that breaking for a full week vacation can be a challenge, but it’s well worth it to spend an entire week enjoying relaxation and fun here in Cape May.

Q. Are there more Pet-Friendly properties?

A. No, and yes. The fact is, our pet friendly inventory consists of the most limited number of properties, and they fully book at a generally higher rate than the others. There are always new rentals entering our inventory though, so please keep that in mind. We cannot accept pets for rentals that are not designated “pet friendly”, as pet acceptance is solely the decision of each individual property owner.

Q. Which homes “open to the beach”?

A. This is a question oft asked of those that have never been to Cape May. There are NO homes in our rental inventory that allow occupants to step out of the house and directly onto the beach. We know this design is common of other resort communities, but Cape May is simply not developed to allow for such properties. The good news is, Cape May properties offer their own unique attributes. You’ll experience a neighborhood feel in many of our locales, awarding you the pleasure of residing only blocks from the beach while also having your own private yard, parking, and more!

A. Most are familiar with Cape May proper, as it’s the home of the historic district, as well as Cape May’s hub of shopping and dining. Many have also heard of Cape May Point, with its tranquil, natural experience and reputation for world class bird watching. West Cape May situates between Cape May and the Point. It’s a lovely, residential area of town that is home to many local residents. The beach is a bit of a longer walk (or even a very short drive), but the trade off is that many of the houses are spacious-both inside and out…all while maintaining lower rental rates. Numerous guests who’ve stayed in West Cape May through the years would not think of renting anywhere else in town. Maybe it’s time you joined them!

A. Maybe-but don’t plan on it. The City of Cape May deems that beach tags are non-transferable. Homestead therefore has NO dealing with the tags, nor are we permitted to have information as to which properties may or may not contain them. If you arrive at a rental property and find beach tags…you are generally welcome to make use of them unless it is otherwise noted via the property owner. Most likely, the tags will not be present but you will be able to purchase them at any entrance to the beach.

Q. Can we check-in early? (before 2:00 pm).

A. No. We don’t blame you for being very excited to begin your vacation! But during the summer season, there are no provisions made for early check-ins. The 4 hour “turnover time” is needed in order to prep the rental property for you. If you arrive in town early, we recommend grabbing a bite to eat, taking a walk around (if it’s not too hot!), or maybe even going to the beach. Check-in time will arrive before you know it, and we’ll be waiting at our drive through check-in to make sure that your rental arrival is expedited efficiently.

Q. The Linen Service sounds enticing, but do we have to order it right now?

A. No. In our continued effort to function as a full service vacation rental establishment, Homestead offers linen rental as an option for all of our properties. This includes sheets for all of the beds, and towels for each occupant. The linen package may be accepted at the time of booking. But if it is not, it can be added at anytime up until your day of check-in. Orders can be placed with a member of our rental team, but are also able to be easily placed online.

We’re sure there are other questions that have arisen in your vacation planning process, so let us know what they are! We don’t just want your vacation to be fun; we want the planning and booking process to be a great time as well. Spend your early spring getting ready for summer. And when spring is at its peak next month, bask in the satisfaction that you can relax and enjoy it to the fullest.

Welcome to Fourth of July weekend! Can you believe it’s already upon us? There is no truer indication that the summer season is here and in full swing. We hope you’re ready to celebrate Independence Day in Cape May. It’s the perfect weekend for barbeques, beaches, fireworks, family, and friends. But in addition to these summer celebrations, Cape May is a truly special locale for Independence Day. Seashore resorts that allow you to explore homes nearly the same age as our country are few and far between, but this exploration is exactly what an Independence day spent here will allow you to do. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the happenings around town on this most wonderful of weekends…

The Cape May Independence Day parade will kick off on Saturday, July 2nd at 1:00 pm. Secure a place on Beach Avenue for a view of holiday floats, decorated vehicles, bands, and much more.

Historic Cold Spring Village presents its Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 2nd & Sunday July 3rd. There will be family activities, patriotic themed programs and live music as well.

On Sunday July 3rd, take a short drive “over the bridge” to North Cape May for Lower Township’s annual Independence Day Festival. Beginning at 5:00 pm, the festival will take place on Beach Drive (right on the bay) between Lincoln Boulevard and Emerson Avenue. A beautiful fireworks display will be presented at 9:00 pm against the backdrop of the gorgeous Delaware Bay. We recommend arriving in time to see the sunset, as on the bay it is every bit as stunning as the fireworks that will follow!

Also on Sunday July 3rd. Congress Hall will be presenting a carnival on their Grand Lawn. At this family event, you’ll experience games, face painting, balloon twisting, and of course multiple choices of food and seashore treats. You will even be presented with the opportunity to take part in a pig race!

On Independence Day, Monday, July 4th, bring your holiday weekend to a close in grand style by viewing Cape May’s very own fireworks display. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9 pm at Congress Beach. They are visible from the beach, the promenade, and any beach front building! If you’ll be staying in town, we recommend biking or walking up to the beach for the fireworks, as it’s a bit easier than navigating through traffic in your car.

At Homestead we sincerely hope that you and yours will be able to enjoy these local events, as well as the celebrations you already have in store for the holiday weekend. The forecast is calling for beautiful summer weather, and with the 4th falling on a Monday, we know that many of you will be enjoying the pleasure of a true 3 day weekend. Due to these factors, it is rumored that this holiday weekend will be one of the busiest travel weekends we’ve seen in a long time. By no means are we implying that the destination is not worth the journey! However, we remind everyone to exercise caution when driving, bicycling, and celebrating. The evenings of Friday, July 1st and Monday, July 4th will be peak travel times in and out of Cape May city and county. Be careful and allow extra time to arrive at your destinations!

Stay safe, have fun, and join us in celebrating Independence Day the Cape May Way. Happy 4th from everyone here at Homestead Real Estate!

Please Note: As per our usual hours, Homestead will be CLOSED on Sunday, July 3rd. We will also be CLOSED on Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Remember that our Rental and Sales websites are available for you to explore 24/7.